If we look back on the history of asbestos, we will see that it was commonly employed in home construction between the 1940s and the 1970s. For three decades, having asbestos in homes was considered normal if not useful.

However, as time went on, we also learned that asbestos may pose possible health risks. For example, lung illness is caused by chronic asbestos exposure. Damaged asbestos fibers can induce lung tissue damage and cancer. Prior to 1975, asbestos was often used as insulation on boilers and pipes in homes.

Read on to discover how to detect, test, and get rid of asbestos in your home.

The Dangers of Asbestos

When the material is in good condition it will not release asbestos fibers, although damaging it may pose a health concern. Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to remove good asbestos.

Damaged asbestos, on the other hand, is harmful. When sawed, scraped, or sanded, asbestos that crumbles readily or turns to powder offers a health danger.

Asbestos can be found in a variety of other household items, such as blown-in insulation in the floor vinyl, linoleum tile adhesive for wood or concrete floors, caulking and glazing, roofing, HVAC duct insulators, corrugated panels, and paints.

Detecting Asbestos in Your Home

Examine the garment for tears, abrasions, and water damage.

Look for tears, abrasions, and water damage if you suspect your home contains asbestos. If you come across any broken goods, don’t touch or damage them.

Contact professional inspectors.

Before hiring an asbestos removal company, have an industrial hygiene company inspect the area. A full evaluation must include visual inspection, sample collection, and analysis.

If asbestos is discovered, the inspector must describe its location and extent of damage, as well as make recommendations for its removal or prevention.

This inspector can also assure a thorough cleanup after demolition or repair. Using this information, homeowners can negotiate a remediation plan with an asbestos contractor.

Connect with an Asbestos Abatement Contractor

Obtain a signed contract stating the work plan, cleanup, and federal, state, and municipal constraints before beginning. All information is available through state and municipal health departments, the EPA’s regional office, and OSHA’s regional office.

Getting Rid of Asbestos

If you want the asbestos removed, make sure the contractor follows all local laws. Here are six suggestions you must consider in safely removing asbestos from your home:

1. Before paying the final bill, homeowners should obtain a disposal manifest to ensure that the asbestos will be disposed of at a permitted landfill.

2. Repair and removal of asbestos should be performed by contractors who hold a valid state license. Request references and examples of similar jobs, just as you would with any other contractor.

3. Report any safety infractions to the local air pollution control board, occupational safety agency, and Better Business Bureau.

4. Insist on the use of suitable equipment and the wearing of respirators, gloves, and other protective gear by the contractor.

5. Furthermore, homeowners should look at the contractor’s general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Contractors in a number of states are required to notify federal, state, and local entities before abatement.

6. Before removing the contractor’s containment system, the industrial hygiene consultant who initially inspected the site must gather air samples to ensure that no asbestos fibers have escaped.

Post-Removal Asbestos Repairs

Asbestos can be encapsulated or coated. Repairing asbestos is less expensive than removing it, but it may make future asbestos removal more complex and expensive. Other times, both significant and minor repairs are to be made. Thus, it might not be helpful to perform a DIY asbestos repair.

For Sealing

Encapsulation (sealing) binds or wraps asbestos fibers to keep them from escaping. This is used to restore the insulation on pipes, furnaces, and boilers.

For Covering

Asbestos-containing materials are coated to prevent fiber escape. An asbestos-trained specialist must carry out these repairs.

Conclusion

The topic of asbestos may not be something you hear about on a regular basis, but you should. Now that you are aware of this possible risk in your home, perhaps it is time to get the professionals to handle your case in the most appropriate manner. Simply keep all of this important information in mind as you resolve your asbestos issues.

If you’re in need of asbestos testing in Utah, AAA Restoration Utah offers quality service that exceeds expectations. With us, you can be confident in our team to help you rebuild your home situation. We are available 24/7, so give us a call whenever you need it!